Sonoma State University Names Tim Hanni MW

Date: 09/18/11

Rohnert Park, CA - Sonoma State University has appointed Tim Hanni, MW to become the first Wine Industry Faculty member for the Wine Business Institute. Hanni is developing a new online wine business management course, the latest professional development offering, that begins November 7th, 2011. Registration for the course is now open. Tim Hanni MW, who currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Masters of Wine, is an innovative researcher and wine educator whose wine and food principles have been adopted by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust in London. He will teach the course which is the first level in a three-part series. Hanni has worked in the wine industry for over 35 years and provides consulting, research, and education services to a wide range of companies around the world. Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as “The Wine Anti-Snob,” Tim is a renegade, researcher, and relentless crusader against wine snobbery.

Inspired by Sonoma State’s wine MBA the Wine Business Management Certificate offers a world perspective and allows participants to strengthen their knowledge of wine business fundamentals, marketing, and finance to accelerate their career opportunities in a convenient online format. “The wine business is an ever-changing market and people need access to solid business principles and strategies to be successful,” noted Hanni. “I’m excited to teach the class online because it makes this knowledge easily available to people in every corner of the world.”

“Tim brings incredible expertise in the industry and in teaching that will really make this a powerful experience for participants,” said Ray Johnson, director of the Wine Business Institute. The four week course will be delivered in 16 online classes, presented through video lectures, course conference calls, and a unique WineBizSim business planning project. At the end of this Foundation Level, participants will understand global wine commerce, the strategies and decisions involved in getting from the vineyard to the retailer, the process and outlets for wine sales, as well as the major wine markets and their products.

The Wine Business Management Certificate is created for professionals already in the industry who want to advance their knowledge of wine business operations, for winemakers or viticulturists wanting to expand their understanding of business strategies and principles, and for professionals in other industries seeking to enter the wine industry. While the perceived glamour of the business draws many to the industry, it is business acumen that is vital to its long-term success and to the success of its owners and employees. The series consists of this Foundation level, along with Intermediate and Advanced levels, all taught online, with optional certification at the completion of the Advanced level.